7 Best Deputy Alternatives in 2026 (Free & Paid)

When I Work is the easiest replacement for Deputy if you want simple scheduling without the complexity. It’s built for small and mid-sized teams that need to publish schedules quickly, handle shift swaps, and track time without a long setup process.

The mobile app is a standout. Employees can view schedules, swap shifts, and message managers in a single app that’s stable and easy to use. Managers get drag-and-drop scheduling, availability visibility, and automatic alerts for overtime risks. Time tracking is built in, with GPS and geofencing options for added accuracy.

When I Work also integrates with popular payroll providers, making it easier to export hours directly into payroll runs. Reporting is clean and focused: labor costs, attendance, and schedule compliance are easy to view without digging through complex dashboards.

The tradeoff is depth. It doesn’t have the advanced scheduling rules or enterprise controls that Deputy can offer. But if you want faster setup and a better mobile experience, it’s a strong alternative.

Homebase is a popular Deputy alternative for retail and service businesses. It bundles scheduling, time clocks, team communication, and hiring into one platform. The free plan is generous for single-location businesses, making it an easy starting point for small teams.

The scheduling interface is straightforward and built for shift-based roles. Employees can swap shifts, request time off, and message managers directly in the app. Time tracking includes a kiosk mode and mobile clock-in, with basic labor cost reporting and overtime alerts.

Homebase also includes hiring tools like job postings and applicant tracking, which can reduce the need for separate hiring software. Payroll integrations are available for providers like Gusto and ADP, making it easy to export hours.

The tradeoff is depth. Reporting is basic, and advanced scheduling rules are limited. But for a single-location or small chain business, Homebase provides the best value for money.

7shifts is a top Deputy alternative for restaurants and hospitality teams. It’s designed specifically for managing hourly staff, with labor forecasting, shift templates, and POS integrations that help managers stay on budget.

The scheduling tools are tailored to restaurant realities: you can forecast labor costs based on sales, manage tip reporting, and build schedules around role requirements. Employees can swap shifts and submit availability changes through a mobile app that’s praised for ease of use.

7shifts integrates with major POS systems like Toast and Square, making it easier to align staffing with sales data. Reporting includes labor cost insights, overtime alerts, and compliance tracking for break rules. For multi-location restaurants, it offers centralized management and role-based permissions.

The tradeoff is that it’s industry-specific. If you don’t run a restaurant or hospitality business, some features won’t be relevant. But for restaurants, it’s one of the most targeted and effective scheduling tools available.

Sling is a budget-friendly Deputy alternative built for small teams that want scheduling and team communication without extra bells and whistles. The free plan is useful for basic schedules and messaging, while paid plans unlock time tracking and more controls.

The scheduling interface is simple and quick, with drag-and-drop shifts and availability tracking. Employees can request swaps or time off through the mobile app, and managers can approve with a click. Sling also includes team messaging and announcements, which reduces the need for separate chat tools.

Sling’s time tracking is adequate, but not as robust as Deputy or When I Work. Reporting is also lighter, focusing on hours and basic labor cost summaries. Integrations are limited, so payroll exports may require manual work depending on your provider.

For small teams that want a low-cost scheduler with good communication features, Sling is a strong alternative. If you need advanced labor compliance rules or deep integrations, you may outgrow it.

Humanity is a Deputy alternative aimed at mid-sized organizations that need more advanced scheduling rules and compliance controls. It supports complex shift patterns, staffing requirements, and labor law rules, making it a strong option for larger hourly teams.

The platform includes time tracking, shift bidding, and detailed scheduling rules. Managers can create rotating schedules, enforce compliance requirements, and track attendance issues. The reporting is more detailed than Sling or Homebase, with insights into labor costs and schedule adherence.

Humanity integrates with payroll systems and offers an API for custom workflows. The mobile app is functional, though it can feel dated compared to newer competitors. For teams with more complex scheduling needs, it offers a solid balance between affordability and feature depth.

The downside is usability. The interface feels older and the learning curve is higher. But for mid-market companies needing robust scheduling, Humanity is a capable alternative.

Shiftboard is designed for large organizations with complex scheduling and staffing needs. It’s commonly used in healthcare, manufacturing, and call centers where shift coverage and compliance rules are strict. If Deputy feels too SMB-focused, Shiftboard is the enterprise alternative.

Shiftboard offers advanced scheduling logic, labor rule enforcement, and shift coverage optimization. It supports self-scheduling, union rules, and large-scale workforce coordination. The platform is highly configurable, which makes it powerful but also more complex to implement.

Reporting and analytics are robust, with dashboards focused on staffing levels, compliance risks, and overtime costs. Integrations are available with HR and payroll systems, but customization often requires IT involvement. The mobile app is functional but less user-friendly than newer tools.

For SMBs, Shiftboard is too heavy and too expensive. But for large, regulated workforces, it delivers the control Deputy can’t match.

Connecteam is more than a scheduling tool. It’s an all-in-one operations platform with scheduling, time tracking, forms, training, and team communication. For SMBs that want a single app for frontline teams, Connecteam is a strong Deputy alternative.

The scheduling module is easy to use, with shift templates, availability tracking, and shift swaps. Time tracking includes GPS and geofencing. Connecteam also adds features Deputy lacks, like mobile checklists, digital forms, employee training, and a centralized company feed.

For multi-location businesses, Connecteam’s segmentation and roles make it easy to manage different teams in one system. Reporting is solid for time and attendance, and payroll exports are simple. The app-first design is great for deskless employees.

The tradeoff is depth in scheduling. If you need very advanced labor forecasting or complex union rules, you may prefer Deputy or Shiftboard. But for SMBs who want a complete operations app, Connecteam is excellent value.